Deciduous Forest Zone
Check out the Nominations: • Coniferous Forest Zone
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494 Corridor – Melissa Madison
The I-494 Corridor should be selected as Capital for a Day to spotlight unique and important features which have fostered a boom in population and in employment density surpassing downtown Minneapolis and downtown St. Paul combined. There are over 350,000 people living along the I-494 Corridor and over 300,000 jobs along the I-494 Corridor creating an impressive economic engine in Minnesota. The I-494 Corridor houses the state’ international airport, the largest indoor mall in the United States, and is home to many of the state's largest employers including Carlson Companies, Best Buy and the world wide headquarters for the Toro Companies. The western edge of the I-494 Corridor on the boarder of Minnetonka and Plymouth is the entrance onto Minnesota's first high occupancy toll lane which is utilizing leading edge technology that is impressive on the world’s stage. The I-494 Corridor is a special jewel in Minnesota's crown.
Alexandria – Rachel Barduson
Alexandria's Sesquicentennial coincides with Minnesota's 150th anniversary. Alexandria is in Douglas County which lies in the west part of central Minnesota, about half way between the Mississippi River and Lakes Traverse and Big Stone. Alexandria is its county seat and largest town, basically in the middle of the state. Alexandria is a perfect example of diverse settlement 150 years ago and a great example today of diversity in its community. History is celebrated every day and the theme, Exceptional People in an Exceptional Place explains exactly what Alexandria and the surrounding area of the county is. Our great lakes, tourism, farming community, prairie, business spirit, government, school and churches, all exemplify what the great state of Minnesota was founded on. Exceptional People in an Exceptional Place. And as the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce says it, "Easy to get to. Hard to leave."
Apple Valley and Rosemount – Tom Lawell
The quality of the people and environment of these cities make them prime material for “Capitol for a Day”. Glaciers left sand and gravel deposits that have fueled the economy of the entire Metropolitan area. The Mississippi River and prime farmland contributed to the settlement of the area in the mid-1850's. Rosemount’s first township board meeting was held on the same day Minnesota became a State! Apple Valley and Rosemount became statutory cities in the 1970's. The area’s remarkable terrain has been preserved in 74 city parks. In addition, the world-renowned Minnesota Zoo officially opened in Apple Valley in 1978 preserving another 500 acres. Looking to the future, Rosemount’s UMore Park is a golden opportunity. Money Magazine recently proclaimed Apple Valley the 28th best small community in the nation. Today over 70,000 people live and work in the two communities and enjoy a quality of life second to none.
Bloomington – Diann Kirby
Bloomington should be Capital for a Day because it shares the same birthday as Minnesota - May 11, 1858. During the first town meeting, residents cast 25 votes for town officials and approved a budget of $100. Old Shakopee Road was the town center, especially when a town hall was built at Penn Avenue and Old Shakopee Road in 1892. Today, a history of strong leadership has created a community of 85,000 people and more than 105,000 jobs along with one of the most visited destinations in the country, the Mall of America. Bloomington would celebrate its Capital for a Day designation on May 11, 2008, at the newly-restored Old Town Hall. The celebration will include re-enactments of Bloomington’s past, a rededication of Old Town Hall, a pioneer fair, music, and an ice cream social. What better way to celebrate Minnesota’s history than with a trip down memory lane in Bloomington.
Detroit Lakes – Dave Hochhalter
I would like to nominate Detroit Lakes for the Minnesota Sesquicentennial Capital for a day because it clearly represents Minnesota' Land of 10,000 Lakes brand. With over 412 lakes within 25 miles it is not difficult to see why Detroit Lakes brand is "See You at the Lakes", which provides the message that Detroit Lakes is a great place to live, visit, work, play, and do business. Detroit Lakes is in the heart of a transition zone of three eco-systems; Pririe grasslands, Deciduous forests, and coniferous forests. With the areas vast natural resources, Detroit Lakes provides a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Historically, Detroit Lakes origin dates back to 1871 when settlers from the East reached this area on the Northern Pacific Railroad. The Detroit Lakes area was originally home of the Sioux until the Chipewa pushed them Westward. In the mid 1800's Detroit Lakes was a favorite resting place for travelers of the Red River Oxcart Trail, a 400 mile path from Winnipeg to St. Paul. Today Detroit Lakes is a thriving community with strong Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing, and Retail Hub roots and includes a strong educational system, excellent medical services, and a multitude of Professional and Service businesses. It is home to a new Community & Cultural Center, new Chamber of Commerce offices, and many new businesses. Detroit has excellent housing, and government services, which all provide an outstanding place to live and raise a family.
Douglas County – Al Edenloff
Douglas County deserves to serve as “Capital for a Day.” Our county seat, Alexandria, is celebrating its sesquicentennial in 2008. Another city in our county, Osakis, just observed its 150th with a celebration so “above average” it drew Garrison Keillor. He nailed a spike connecting the Central Lakes and Wobegon trails. The 120-mile route through prairies, rolling hills, woods, creeks, rivers and lakes showcases the beauty of our “biome” – the deciduous forest. We’re proud of: Our rich heritage in agriculture; Minnesota’s first 4-H started here. Our tourism; we could be a postcard for “Minnesota Nice” and its 10,000 lakes. Our place in history; we’re the “birthplace of America” because early Viking explorers are believed to have voyaged here long before Columbus. Our vibrant economy; it’s supported by top-notch manufacturing companies, a technical college, a county hospital and more. We’d be proud to share that excitement.
Faribault – Liz Hartman
Located at the edge of the Big Woods and the Prairie, at the confluence of the Cannon and Straight rivers; Faribault has a rich history of more than150 years. Settled by hardworking, French, Irish, German and Scandinavian immigrants; we now have a new face as Somali, Hispanic, Sudanese and Asian citizens are welcomed. Home of “Small Town Pride and Big City Opportunities”, the beautiful downtown is lined with historic brick and limestone buildings and vibrant businesses. The Faribault Woolen Mill is Minnesota’s oldest operating business. Thousands of folks stop here annually for a Faribault Blanket. Historically this area was covered with a maple/basswood forest. These species still exist at our 750 acre River Bend Nature Center, which offers year-round activities for appreciating nature. It’s amphitheater has evidence of the early days of local limestone quarrying. Alexander Faribault brought fur trading which later morphed into a milling industry. The innovation of local miller Edmund LaCroix helped make Minneapolis a milling capital when he invented a device to make a finer grain of flour. Episcopalian Bishop Whipple is recognized for his befriending of and good relationships with the Dakota Indians. The State Academies for the Deaf and Blind, Shattuck/St. Mary’s and other public and private schools are known statewide. At the grand opening of the recently restored Paradise Theater, art works vividly depict the natural resources of the area; the trees and rivers and bluffs. Faribault exemplifies every thing a Capital for the Day should be. And don’t forget we like to have fun, we are home to the world renowned Tilt-A-Whirl.
Hastings – Dustin B. Mancl
A picturesque historic river-town, Hastings is uniquely positioned between two biomes: Deciduous Forests (north)and Driftless Area (south). Named after the first governor of Minnesota, Hastings was established 150 years ago. As seat of Dakota County, Hastings has the 2nd oldest surviving courthouse in the state, Lock and Dam No.2, numerous buildings on the National Historic Registrar, and many cultural and recreational celebrations that take place throughout the year. Also, Hastings was the first city in the state to host a Presidential visit! As a great representation of the many waterways of Minnesota, Hastings incorporates the Mississippi, St. Croix, and Vermillion Rivers, Lakes Isabelle and Rebecca, and many ponds, marshlands, and flood plains. Hastings is the example of “Minnesota at its best.” With its conservation of history and the land, along with focusing on progress and pride, I nominate Hastings for Capitals for a Day across Minnesota!
Jordan – Mathias Baden
Centered in vastly growing Scott County, Jordan is the best small town in the state. Since the alleged sex scandal of 1983, Jordan is overcoming a stigma the world has placed on it. But the town ought to be known for lesser-known albeit better attributes. Namely, Jordan residents enjoy: health and wellness (http://www.jordanvalleybiketour.org/); arts, history, and culture (http://www.jordanchamber.org/JordanArtFest2007-Flyer.pdf and http://www.terrywerm.com/jcthome.htm); excellent education (http://www.jordan.k12.mn.us/); and the outdoors (http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/minnesota_valley/index.html). A tour through the Jordan area includes: a waterfall in a downtown park; the Mini-Met baseball park, widely known as a the best small-town ballpark in the state; the Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area’s St. Lawrence unit; several ghost towns; a state-funded public safety training center, which makes use of the historic Mudbaden Sulphur Springs building and will benefit the region; and more. Please consider Jordan a good representative of the state and a fine candidate to be a capital for a day.
Lakeville – Lisa Schumann
Lakeville could be any of the biomes we have grass land numerous lakes, forest areas etc
Long Prairie – A. Braaten
It has one of the last drive in movie theaters in minnesota.
Longville – Marilyn Ford
Longville, Minnesota was founded in 1906 by Jimmy Long. The town was formed around the logging industry, which is a rich part of Minnesota History. The small-town lifestyle, much the same as when the town was founded, continues to be a strong character of the citizens of the Longville area. Although the community boasts a population of 180 residents, the surrounding area is home to thousand of part-time residents, who have built and established second (lake) homes on one of the 400 lakes in the Longville area. Longville residents are committed to be stewards of the land and lakes, with conservation of our natural resources. Logging, beautiful waterways, and a community known as the Turtle Racing Capital of the World, are only a few of the reasons Longville should be considered a Minnesota Capital For a Day.
Owatonna/Steele County – Tom Watson
Owatonna/Steele County has been a shining star in Minnesota’s history for nearly as long as we’ve been a state. On a national level, we gained prominence for Minnesota by having our Louis H. Sullivan-designed Bank showcased on a US postage stamp; our county fair is the largest, free county fair in the state, having even served as the site of the Minnesota State Fair in the late 1800’s. Our growing number of creameries in the early 1900s encouraged us to proclaim Owatonna as the Butter Capital of the World. Today, we are home to Cabela’s, Minnesota’s second most visited attraction. Owatonna continues to help represent Minnesota proudly with many more classic examples of it’s – and Minnesota’s – proud heritage. Owatonna will cherish the honor if chosen Minnesota’s Capitol for a Day.
Perham – Nathaniel Bormann
I really think you should pick Perham for the capital for a day. Because Perham feels like home even if you don’t live here. We have Turtle Fest every year. During Turtle Fest we have turtle races and a demo derby and there are wall climbs and all kinds of games. We have factories like Barrel of Fun, Kenny’s Candy, Tuffys, Bongards and Jennie- O. We have a Blue Ribbon School. We also host the East Otter Tail County Fair. We also have a History Museum and a Veterans Museum and a really nice golf course can be found. We have awesome service. There are really nice services like the hospital, nursing home, clinic, dentistry and the Perham Area Community Center. There is no better choice than Perham Minnesota we have the nicest lakes ever .You should really pick Perham there is absolutely no better choice I really mean it!
Prior Lake – Kelly Meyer
Prior Lake is a unique community that has its history as a lake resort and agricultural community, but that has experienced significant growth in the recent past and re-emerged as a small metropolitan suburb. Prior Lake is a community with a vision to maintain its small town feel and preserve its many natural areas. In its boundaries of 16 square miles, the City has preserved acres and acres of public natural areas, including Pike Lake Park, Jeffers Pond nature area, and Lakefront Park. It is also home or adjacent to three regional parks - Murphy Hanrehan, Clearly Lake, and Spring Lake park. Prior Lake has also taken action in its zoning code to preserve natural deciduous areas of significance. Prior Lake is a great community to showcase the natural resources of the southwest metro.
Roseville – Carolyn Curti
Roseville represents the development of our state. The first non-Indians settled in the area in 1843. In 1850 Rose Township was established. It included areas now known as Roseville, Lauderdale, Falcon Heights and parts of present day St. Paul and Minneapolis. Roseville incorporated in 1948 and will celebrate its 60th anniversary as the state celebrates its 150th anniversary. Farms and nurseries dominated the area until the 1930s when commercial development arrived, attracted by wide-open space, convenient location and the railroad. At the same time, people began leaving the inner cities for the more spacious, less congested suburban lifestyle. Today approximately 37% of Minnesotans live in a suburb. Roseville represents the ideal suburban experience: vibrant neighborhoods, low taxes, excellent schools and diverse business base. The City offers outstanding park and recreation programs including Reservoir Woods with 120 acres of deciduous forest and the Minnesota OVAL, an internationally acclaimed winter sports facility.
Saint Cloud – Sandy Hilsgen
“St. Cloud is located on the beautiful banks of the Mississippi River in the heartland of Minnesota. As a community experiencing rapid growth, our businesses are thriving and our quality of life remains strong and vibrant as a quaint, family-friendly atmosphere of a small town continues. Our city proudly bears the title of Granite Country, USA, with its many granite quarries that provide natural treasures worldwide. There’s an abundance of rich farmland, natural beauty, and many environmentally sensitive areas. We celebrate our ethnic heritage and religion and opportunities abound for education, recreation, and cultural arts. Tourists travel from afar to visit the renowned Munsinger & Clemens Gardens as well as the many beautiful parks that enhance our area. We’ve emerged into a major regional health care center offering state-of-the-art services. We embrace our youth and our senior members. We’re people who are truly “Minnesota nice” and proud of our heritage.”
Saint Joseph – Michael Reagan
St. Joseph (St. Joe) is a city that was settled primarily by people of German ancestry and includes the monastery of the Sisters of St. Benedict, a historic and important contributor to the welfare of central Minnesotans. It is a wonderful small city.
Saint Louis Park – Sandra Rodness
St. Louis Park was one of the first outer-ring suburbs of Minneapolis. It is the birthplace of the famous Coen brothers, Joel and Ethan of whose projects include Fargo and the forthcoming "A Serious Man". It is also the home of Park Nicollet Clinic within its campus houses Methodist Hospital--one of the top 100 hospitals in the United States and the world-renowned International Diabetes Center. There are beautiful walking paths and an amphitheater, which surround the first community within a community in the country-Excelsior on Grand. I would just like to add that St. Louis Park is also the home of the nation's first shopping center--Miracle Mile.
Shakopee – Dawn Gleason
Shakopee is known for its entertainment in Minnesota ... for all seasons. We are host to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, Mystic Lake, the Renaissance Festival, and Severs Corn Maze, Trail of Terror and ValleyScare in the Fall. Shakopee is currently celebrating their Sesquicentennial year and had a wonderful celebration this past July which brought the entire community together at our new Huber Park along the river. Our Miss Shakopee Ambassadors are also involved by selling 150 year old bricks from the Scott County Courthouse & Jail demolition to honor our history and support our youth in our community. We had a great committee of people that headed up the 150th celebration efforts and being named "Capital for a Day" would be a great way to honor and recognize their efforts and for all of us to celebrate our Anniversary with this great State of Minnesota.
Stillwater – Rob Stoner
Well, first off, it’s the birthplace of Minnesota, it had the first capital in Minnesota. It’s right on the East border with a beautiful setting.
Waconia – Carol York
Waconia is located about 30 miles west of Minneapolis on beautiful Lake Waconia. At one time the lake was known as Clearwater Lake. There is an Island in the lake called Coney Island. This is a landmark for airplanes going to The International Airport. Waconia celebrated its Sesquicentennial this year, 2007. So our city is a year older than the state. There were many events to mark this year. Since Waconia is a year older than the State we could act as mentors. I think it would be a great honor for our city of almost 10,000 to be Capital for a day!
White Bear Township – Sara Hanson
White Bear Township was formed on the same day that Minnesota became a state and is an incredible representation of Township government. Today White Bear Township stands as the only remaining township in Ramsey County and the largest in population of the 1800 townships in Minnesota. White Bear Township not only shares that anniversary with the great State of Minnesota but is a microcosm of the state with its heritage, ethnic diversity, innovators and recreational opportunities.